Using the SAS Logging Facility to Write Log Messages

The SAS 9.3 logging facility makes it possible to categorize, collect, and filter log events and write them to a variety of output devices. The logging facility supports problem diagnosis and resolution, performance and capacity management, and auditing and regulatory compliance. The logging facility has following features:
  • Log events are categorized using a hierarchical naming system that enables you to configure logging at a broad or a fine-grained level.
  • Log events can be directed to multiple output destinations, including files, operating system facilities, databases, and client applications. For each output destination, you can specify:
    • the categories and levels of events to report
    • the message layout, including the types of data to be included, the order of the data, and the format of the data
    • filters based on criteria such as diagnostic levels and message content
  • Logging diagnostic levels can be adjusted dynamically without starting and stopping processes.
  • Performance-related events can be generated for processing by the Application Response Measurement (ARM) 4.0 server.
The logging facility is used by most SAS server processes. You can also use the logging facility within SAS programs.
For Windows, log messages can be written to the Windows event viewer.
For information about using the logging facility in your operating environment, see SAS Logging: Configuration and Programming Reference.